Course Info

Foundations of Gardening (FOG) is a comprehensive 10-week online course offered by MSU Extension. It is open to all adults interested in the science behind successful gardening. It is also the prerequisite for applying to the MSU Extension Master Gardener (EMG) Volunteer Program.

Participants who wish to join the EMG program can apply after earning their FOG certificate. Earning a FOG certificate does not guarantee acceptance into the EMG program, and the timeline for volunteer application steps may vary by county.

Learn more: Foundations of Gardening Course Syllabus 

If you are interested in applying to the MSU Extension Master Gardener Program after completing the Foundations of Gardening course, click here for more details. A FOG certificate remains valid for up to three years and can be used to apply to the MSU EMG Volunteer Program within that timeframe.

FOG Logo

Inquiries about the MSU Extension Master Gardener Program: MSUE.MG@msu.edu

Michigan State University is committed to providing equal opportunity for participation in all programs, services and activities. Please indicate any accessibility requests by emailing MSUE.FOG@msu.edu. 

Foundations of Gardening Course Content

10 Self-Paced Units

Ten units composed of readings, videos, activities, and website explorations. Participants are expected to complete the learning materials before attending the live virtual class each week.

10 Live Virtual Class Sessions
(One per week)

Each week a 2.5-hour webinar is led by MSU experts in the field. Lectures reinforce and expand on content through interactive elements such as polls, demonstrations, and a Q&A session.

Assessments and Certification

Weekly assessments are used to measure knowledge gains throughout the course. Participants who achieve a score of 80% or higher on all unit post-assessments and the final exam earn a Certificate of Completion.

Social Opportunities

A virtual social discussion forum provides opportunities to connect with others taking the course.

Downloadable Resources

The contents of this course are entirely online. All readings and many resources can be downloaded for use during and after the course.

 

Michigan State University
  • Spartans Will.
  • © Michigan State University

MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential.

Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Quentin Tyler, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.

The 4-H Name and Emblem have special protections from Congress, protected by code 18 USC 707.

We comply with the Federal Trade Commission 1998 Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).